7 Ways To Medicate Cannabis

There are multiple methods used to consume Cannabis and each method makes a difference to the final effect that Cannabis can have on you.

What is the best way to consume Cannabis?

This all depends on what kind of cannabis user you are and what kind of cannabis you’re smoking. The desired effect will differ amongst medicinal and recreational users – a recreational user may not be as concerned about the health benefits of Cannabis consumption, and a medicinal user may have no desire to feel “high”.

There is no concrete answer on what the best way to consume cannabis is, so let’s explore some of our options.

Smoking

Smoking the dried flower from the cannabis plant in a joint, pipe, or bong is the most common method of cannabis ingestion. The chain reaction that occurs upon inhalation happens very quickly and delivers the cannabinoids to your system with extreme efficiency.

Onset: Within seconds of inhalation.

Duration: Effects will reach their peak within thirty minutes and diminish anywhere from 1-3 hours.

Pros: The onset is fast, it is generally cheaper to buy buds than It is to buy oils and concentrates.

Cons: Cannabis flowers with the same strain name may still vary in potency, source and cannabinoid content. The smoke generated from burning papers and lighter fluid chemicals contain carcinogenic compounds. Users with compromised immune systems or lung problems should consider other methods of cannabis.

Vaping

Fowers

A smokeless, efficient form of inhalation. Vaporizers heat cannabis plant matter to a temperature that forces trichomes into the vapor leaving plant material behind.

Onset: Within seconds of inhalation.

Duration: Effects will peak before thirty minutes and diminish in a couple of hours.

Pros: Portable vaporizers are far more discreet than smoking as there is minimal odor, which vanishes quickly. Due to the nature of portable vaporizers they are easy to carry around and allow users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis everywhere – within reason. Vaporizers are one of the cleanest, healthiest ways to consume cannabis.

Vaping Oils (Cartdriges or Disposable Pens)

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Cons: Some users find that vaporization has weaker effects than other forms of cannabis. Using oil cartridges from reputable companies is incredibly important as there is a risk of chemical solvents and low-quality materials during this transitional period as health and safety regulations are implemented. Care should also be taken when mixing cartridges and pens, as some companies specially formulate their products to work together.

Note: Cons: Some vape pens use thinning elements like propylene glycol or coconut oil, while others do not.

Dabbing

A relatively new form of cannabis ingestion, 'dabbing' is for high tolerance users only. The term refers to heating a small amount of cannabis concentrate (called a ‘dab’) on the head of a titanium nail with a blowtorch, causing combustion.

Don’t let the small amount of cannabis product fool you- this highly potent form of cannabis (also called wax, honey oil and shatter) can contain up to 80% THC.

The effects are more physically and psychologically intense than using other forms and can be on par with a strong dose of edibles.

Onset: Immediately after inhalation.

Duration: Slightly longer than other inhalation methods.

Pros: For seriously ill patients, dabbing can be an efficient way to get a large amount of cannabinoids into your system and experience immediate relief.

Cons: The concentrated smoke from dabbing can release carcinogens at degrees over 365. Because of the high THC content, dabbing regularly will quickly raise your tolerance and other methods of consumption are no longer felt. The fast uptake of a high level of THC can result in anxiety, nausea, and even passing out.

Edibles

Cannabis in edible form has been dated back to the 1500’s, when hashish was consumed as an edible by the Islamic communities. Edibles reappeared in full force in the 1960’s and the “space cake” was born. Edibles can come in many forms, including sodas, snacks, chocolate, ice cream, pizza, and mints. When physically chewing and swallowing your cannabis is whatever form, the cannabinoids reach the cells by the way of the liver, which converts THC into another, more potent chemical, 11-hydroxy-THC.

Onset: Fifteen minutes to two hours depending on metabolism and whether or not the user ingests them on an empty stomach (which speeds up absorption)

Duration: 4-6 hours, though unusually high doses can result in effects lasting over 24 hours.

Pros: Effects last longer than other forms of cannabis use. One the most discreet and convenient forms of consumption. Diverse variety of options available.

Cons: Edibles are not ideal for users who need immediate relief as the effects take longer to become noticeable. If you don’t store and label your edibles correctly they could be mistaken for their generic un-infused counterpart, which could lead to potentially worrying or awkward situations. Because edibles take a while to kick in, some people fall victim to FOMO and eat multiple portions of whatever edible in question. This leads to overconsumption and doses that can be overwhelming to the user for really long amounts of time which can lead to paranoia and an overall really horrible time. The rule with edibles is start slow and keep going slow.

Tinctures

Cannabis-based tinctures were a standard American medicine in the late 1800- early 1900s. Cannabis-based tinctures by true definition is alcholol based but the term tincture has become synonymous with micro-dosing all types of cannabis oils from a dropper top bottle. Cannabis-infused tinctures are available in a variety of cannabinoid formulations, dilutions and recogmended dosages. Tinctures are absorbed sublingually - meaning applied under the tongue, so the cannabinoids go directly to the bloodstream.

Onset: The onset is faster than edibles - but not as rapid as inhalation methods. Full effects are usually felt within 20-30 minutes.

Duration: Frequent users may find that effects last for a couple of hours, whereas infrequent cannabis users may feel the effects for several hours. Micro-dosing is recogmended every 6 to 8 hours.

Pros: Some formulas have concentrations of less available cannabinoids. Very discreet, with no odor.

Cons: Tinctures by true definition are alcohol based, which may not be desirable for some users especially children. Light, heat and oxygen will degrade the THC content, so bottles must be opaque and tightly sealed and are best stored in a cool dark cupboard away from heat.

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis infused creams, lotions and oils that are rubbed onto your skin and absorbed providing relief from inflammation, pain and skin conditions. Topicals don’t have a psychoactive effect, so they won’t make you high, which is why they are perfect for someone seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, without the associated high that comes along with other methods of consumption.

Onset: Five minutes to two hours.

Duration: Lasting upwards of 12 hours. Best used twice daily.

Pros: Ideal for localized pain and inflammation, including arthritis, bone fractures, skin conditions, cramping. No psychoactive effects, so people who are new to cannabis and those with a low THC tolerance can use them with confidence. Transdermal patches can provide hours of relief. They’re also very discreet.

Cons: If you want to get high and all you have are topicals – you’re out of luck.

Capsules

Syringes

RSO Oils will often come in syringes, patients are often advised to start with an amount of oil roughly the size of half a grain of rice, and slowly increase their dose over a prolonged length of time, up to 1 gram per 24 hours. Sometimes you get oils in capsules, either hard or soft shell.

Onset: 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Duration: Anywhere from 4 - 10 hours.

Pros: Patient success stories are easily found and plentiful, from managing epilepsy to slowing down tumor growth. If your oil is in a pre-dosed capsule, you can ensure that you are taking the correct dose and there’s no estimating involved.

Cons: It might take a while for you to feel the effects of capsules because they need to go through the digestive process. They can be expensive due to the production costs involved.

With such a diverse range of benefits you can choose to partake in whatever method of consumption will best suit your needs.